Policy Press

The Roots of Racism

The Politics of White Supremacy in the US and Europe

By Terri Givens

Published

Jan 25, 2022

Page count

168 pages

ISBN

978-1529209211

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Jan 25, 2022

Page count

168 pages

ISBN

978-1529209204

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Jan 25, 2022

Page count

168 pages

ISBN

978-1529209235

Dimensions

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Jan 25, 2022

Page count

168 pages

ISBN

978-1529209235

Dimensions

Imprint

Bristol University Press
The Roots of Racism

In the media 
On our blog: From violence to empathy and change

Racism has deep roots in both the United States and Europe. This important book examines the past, present, and future of racist ideas and politics. It describes how policies have developed over a long history of European and White American dominance of political institutions that maintain White supremacy.

Givens examines the connections between immigration policy and racism that have contributed to the rise of anti-immigrant, radical-right parties in Europe, the rise of Trumpism in the US, and the Brexit vote in the UK. This book provides a vital springboard for people, organizations, and politicians who want to dismantle structural racism and discrimination.

"In this important, timely and much needed comparative analysis, Terri Givens successfully brings together the personal, professional and political, and the different, overlapping and shared sites, forms, histories and legacies of racism and white supremacy in the US and across Europe." Aaron Winter, University of East London

"To our ongoing dialogue about race relations and racial justice, The Roots of Racism offers a rare comparative angle that contextualizes today's challenges in the course of transatlantic history. A showcase of Terri Givens' unique expertise, it connects the bitter divide over immigration to the lingering politics of prejudice." Justin Gest, author of The New Minority: White Working Class Politics in an Age of Immigration and Inequality, George Mason University

Terri E. Givens is a Professor of Political Science at McGill University. She was formerly based at the University of Texas at Austin and is the founder of the Center for Higher Education Leadership. She is the author of books and articles on immigration policy, antidiscrimination politics and comparative race politics.

Introduction – Structural Racism is the Problem of the 21st Century

Political Science, International Relations, and the Normalization of White Supremacy

The Social and Geographical Construction of Race – A Transatlantic History

Ties that Bind: Slavery and Colonialism

Post-War Transitions: The Conflation of Immigration and Race

Immigration, Race and Citizenship

From the Civil Rights Movement to Black Lives Matter

Party Politics, the Radical Right and Race in the 21st Century

Elections, Protest and Insurrection

Conclusion: Finding a Path Forward